Dunyā Mediterranean Bistro & Wine Bar

1609 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States
+1 415-400-5770
$$$ Mediterranean restaurant , Wine bar
(572 Reviews)
Price Range $30–50

Dunyā Mediterranean Bistro & Wine Bar, nestled on Polk Street in San Francisco, offers a dining experience that leans into cozy, intimate evenings highlighted by warm, soft lighting and a relaxed yet polished ambiance. This is a full-service Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar where the atmosphere encourages slowing down to savor both the food and company, making it an inviting spot for date nights or intimate gatherings.

The cuisine embraces a broad Mediterranean palette with a clear emphasis on fresh, vibrant mezze and meat-centered dishes. The Mixed Meze Platter is a popular choice, featuring a variety of vegetable-centric bites bursting with authentic flavors like muhammara, baba ganoush, and tzatziki — each served alongside perfectly warm pita bread that many guests find themselves ordering seconds of.

From the heartier entrées, offerings like Adana Kebab, Lamb Brochettes, and the Lamb Burger demonstrate the kitchen's skill in balancing savory spices and tender textures. For those drawn to seafood, the grilled octopus and other ocean-inspired plates provide a satisfying option paired well with the thoughtfully curated wine list available at the bar.

Service here walks a fine line between attentiveness and giving diners space, contributing to a calming yet attentive environment. The presence of approachable bartenders and servers who respect the table’s privacy makes it easy to linger over a glass of wine or enjoy multiple courses without feeling rushed or neglected.

The restaurant tends to fill up during evenings, so reservations are advisable particularly on weekends. Daytime or early dinners might offer a quieter setting to enjoy the food and seasonal salads like the kale picnic salad or a fresh horiatiki. The background music and tasteful décor support the sense that this is a place designed for moments worth savoring, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply escaping the city bustle.

Overall, Dunyā fits well into San Francisco’s vibrant Polk Street neighborhood as a place where Mediterranean flavors and a curated wine selection come together in a warmly lit, approachable setting. It’s best suited for diners who appreciate authentic, rich regional dishes with a modern twist, paired with good wine and respectful, understated service.

Highlights
Has fast service
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Best for
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
No wheelchair-accessible car park
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

05:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

05:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

572 Reviews
Duy Nguyen

30 Dec 2025

Visiting this restaurant at night in San Francisco was a really special experience. The soft, warm lighting made the whole place feel cozy and welcoming right from the moment I walked in. It was the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and really enjoy your meal and company. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, which made the evening feel relaxed and comfortable. The menu was full of interesting and creative dishes, and each plate looked like it was made with a lot of care and skill. Every bite was flavorful and satisfying, and I loved how thoughtfully everything was presented. It felt like more than just dinner—it was a bit of an indulgence and a chance to savor the moment. The decor added to the experience too, with a chic yet inviting vibe that’s perfect for both casual nights out or something a bit more special. What I really appreciated was how intimate the space felt at night. It was quiet enough to have a good conversation without yelling, and I felt like the whole experience was designed to make guests feel welcomed and comfortable. Overall, this restaurant is a great choice if you want a relaxed, enjoyable evening with delicious food and a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and treat yourself in San Francisco’s nighttime scene.

Priyanka Lele

06 Nov 2025

I had a quick stopover for lunch at the much heard of Dunya. Cozy and pretty ambience, sweet service and fresh warm food. We got the mezze platter out of which muhammara, tzatziki and baba ganoush was lip smacking delicious. The pita served was nice & warm, so I ordered another portion!

Coquito Co

01 Nov 2025

Dining at Dunyā tonight has been the highlight of my week—a delightful distraction. The cuisine surprised me with its flavors, complemented perfectly by the wine selection. The attentive servers enhanced the experience, and the ambiance, along with the soothing music, left me feeling utterly relaxed. The Mix Meze Plate was a standout, each vegetable bursting with flavor and delicacy. And the tender lamb, paired with a delectable sauce, was a juicy revelation. The Moca coffee with Dunyā are same owner . Take a cup of coffee and step on next door, we spend half day here . Highly recommend ! We will come back again !

Lauren De Meyer

20 Sep 2025

Perfect place for a date night. It is usually packed but we love sitting at the bar. The food is delicious. We usually get the mezze platter and octopus. We’ve also tried the kunefe (small but really yummy). We love the atmosphere here as the bartender and waiters are super nice and they generally leave us to ourselves (a refreshing change from most American places where you get interrupted quite a lot). The decoration is beautiful too. All in all: I definitely recommend Dunya.

Jayasimha Nuggehalli

17 Sep 2025

Visited here for family dinner. Reservation is recommended. We ordered meze platter, Brussels sprouts, salad, lamb souvlaki with a bottle of red wine. Food was very tasty. Service was excellent. Highly recommend this place.

Landon Ledbetter

16 Sep 2025

This has gotta be my new favorite spot for date nights! Low lit with limited intimate seating. We initially had a table but decided to sit at the bar. The menu is perfectly designed for shareables that pack so much heightened traditional flavors. The mixed grill is highly recommended- you get the grilled chicken skewers, lamb skewers, and keftedes (beef + lamb) with rice and chickpeas. Don’t sleep on those chickpeas!! Wine and beer only so the vibe is just right. Also the service is immaculate, such genuinely friendly staff with great recommendations. Love this place!

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